I Can Only Imagine

By Bart Millard

Description

“The Story That Inspired the Major Motion Picture.”

The captivating story behind the bestselling single in the history of Christian music—and the man who wrote it

MercyMe’s crossover hit, “I Can Only Imagine,” has touched millions of people around the world. But few know about the pain, redemption, and healing that inspired it. Now Bart Millard, award-winning recording artist and lead singer of MercyMe, shares how his dad’s transformation from abusive father to man of God sparked a divine moment in music history.

Go behind the scenes of Bart’s life—and the movie based on it—to discover how God repaired a broken family, prepared Bart for ministry through music, and wrote the words on his heart that would change his life forever. I Can Only Imagine is a front-row seat to witnessing God’s presence throughout Bart’s life. Whether falling in love with his childhood sweetheart or mourning his father’s death, founding MercyMe or flailing in the midst of its success, Bart continues to place his trust in God’s plans—plans that continue to surprise and surpass what Bart could have ever imagined.

Reviews

Simply Amazing...there are no words.

A must read, especially if you saw the movie. It grounds you and adds context to what the movie portrayed. My new "go to" when I need to find the strength.

Beautiful story

5

By Randi Marie

I just finished this book. It was such a beautiful story. I now understand the story behind the song and have a new perspective of the song. Beautifully written BART.

Can’t stop...

5

By Dolores06

Telling my friends to read this book. Thank you for sharing such your story.

I Can Only Imagine

5

By Holy Bible App

I Love MercyMe’s music, but this autobiography of Bart is well worth your time reading. I couldn’t even imagine what he went through with his dad. The Lord Jesus took care of him, just like He’ll take care of us if we’ll allow Him to. I don’t want to give away anything about the book. You need to read it for yourselves. May God Bless Bart, Shannon, and the Kido’s.

Very Inspiring

5

By SDean801

The first time I heard of MercyMe was at a wedding and I Can Only Imagine was played. I walked out with tears of joy for the happy Bride & Groom but also tears of pure inspiration remembering those powerful lyrics. The song has been played in my car, my house and my work many times over. Reading Bart’s memoir really touched me. Just like the song. Having no idea he went through what he did, my heart reached out to him as I know someone that battles the same in many areas of their life. Bart reaches deep into his soul and so amazingly shares his story. To let us know that we are strong, that we can overcome. All because of the love of Jesus and His love for us, you and me! Bart’s story is riveting, emotional, inspiring and full of God’s grace. Bart has shown me that I can conquer any battle, any fear, all I have to do is pray and let God stand with me. He has shown me ways that I can help my friend by standing with them and guiding them in Jesus’s love. This memoir is very touching. Bring this read into your heart and be forever changed.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my own honest review.

Riviting, I couldn’t put it down

5

By Peter & Deborah

Having been a MercyMe fan for a couple decades now, I was quite intrigued to hear the story of Bart, and their hit song “I Can Only Imagine”. This book surpassed even my wildest expectations.
Bart tells the story of his upbringing in a home with (for the most part) his abusive, single parent father. This book is told from Bart’s perspective, so while the underlying abuse is taking place, we also get a glimpse of what was going on in the mind of the victim, and how he was making sense of this crazy experience we call life.
He also describes how he got into music, how the band got together, as well as describing his courtship, and blunders with his love Shannon. The openness and honesty throughout this book was a fresh breath of air, and made this book tough to put down.
To see what God did in transforming his father, from the man he hated, into the man he wanted to become, is only something that can be attributed to a ‘but God’ moment. The same God that did this amazing transformation in Bart’s family is still able to do that in yours. He has already done it in ours.
Truly an amazing story, and I’m grateful that we’ve been allowed the opportunity to get to know the man behind the music.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.